Day 260 - Take Nothing for Granite

We are now officially 20 days over the estimated time to build the house and we are probably still 2 months away from the finish line.  But, good things take time and we are not in a hurry - we want the same care taken with the remaining phases of the project as with the previous phases.

The other day, Richard from Delta Granite, came out to measure the "templates" for the granite cuts and we discovered the slab of Alaska White granite selected for the two kitchen islands was too small.

Richard taking measurements

So, we went out to the granite yard and selected a new piece of granite - Nettuno.  We both are very happy with the new selection and think it may, in fact, be a better choice.  Being flexible is a lot less stressful than fretting because an earlier decision won't work!!!

Back to the granite yard again!!!

New granite selection - Nettuno

Ivan and his trim work crew (actually his Dad and brother) have completed installing the cedar beams across doorways and on two ceilings.  The beams will be stained the same color as the other trim work. These guys pay so much attention to detail and are very creative!!  I made them a burrito lunch the other weekend as a thank you for their beautiful work.  I felt funny taking shots of them while they were eating........

Entry Beam

Bruce's Study

Upstairs Bonus room

The deck around the pool has been formed and should be poured late this week or early next week.  As you can see, the layout is very "organic" with the intent of blending into the natural landscape.

Deck forms and steel rebar

Another shot of pool deck and start of waterfall structure

Firepit will be in the right rear

Waterfall is taking shape

Last year, I joined a bookclub at the local library and really enjoy chatting with the other members before we start our serious book discussion.  In early September, one of the members asked how the house project was progressing.  When I told her we were at the cabinet hardware selection stage, she whipped out her cell phone and called her son while simultaneously telling me he had a cabinet hardware business on wheels!!!!!  After a later discussion on the phone, Jonathan, of Push Pull Open Close brought his "hardware van" to the house for a consultation.  We had a great time putting hardware up against the cabinets and making selections for each room.  Jonathan is very, very knowledgable and has great design savvy.  Just goes to show ya, you can learn about wonderful sources in the most unlikely places.

Jonathan at work

Trays and trays of hardware to consider

Kitchen Pulls

Pulls for Bruce's study

Array of Selections

We were thrilled to have visits from family and friends this weekend.  My niece Stacy, her husband JJ, and daughter Jaysa came to see us Saturday morning.  We had a lot of fun going through the house and taking a Ranger ride so Jaysa could see the longhorn cattle up close!!  It was great to see them and we look forward to their next visit.

JJ, Stacy, Jaysa, Nancy on the front porch

And later in the afternoon, our friends who just finished building a home in Mystic Shores dropped by for a visit along with a visiting aunt from Oklahoma.  We had a fun time walking around the house and swapping "building issues" stories.

Gary, Neva, PJ, Bruce on the back porch

We are still making progress and there is more to come soon!!!